CIPR urges Parliamentary discussion on PR spend to focus on communication value
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has called for parliamentary discussions of an additional £130m spent on communications this year to focus on the effectiveness of the PR delivered.
In a statement, CIPR President Jenni Field said;
We are in the midst of a global pandemic which has required a level of communication with the public rarely seen in peacetime. High-quality PR is essential to help inform and advise on how to reduce the risks of Covid-19 and explain how people and businesses access support.
It is not surprising that additional resources have been commissioned to support the Government Communications Service with market research, behavioural science, and content creation to ensure that Covid messaging is appropriate and effective. It is also no shock to anyone that high levels of paid-for advertising have been used to ensure wide-spread messaging.
We are concerned that political discussion is confusing the cost of contracts awarded, which will include elements such as research, design, and advertising costs, with consultant fees. This detracts from the valuable work PR professionals, both in-house and agency, have delivered in this national emergency.
Notes to editors
About the Chartered Institute of Public Relations
Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the world's only Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners with nearly 10,000 members.
The CIPR advances professionalism in public relations by making its members accountable to their employers and the public through a code of conduct and searchable public register, setting standards through training, qualifications, awards and the production of best practice and skills guidance, facilitating Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and awarding Chartered Public Relations Practitioner status (Chart.PR).